Making A Statement With A Double Breasted Suit?

Answer 1

A double breasted suit is one in which the jacket is cut with wide, overlapping front flaps and two columns of buttons running parallel down the front. Considered by many people to have a more old-fashioned look, they can be perceived also as more serious and more business-like than their single breasted counterparts.

However, when paired with non-traditional accessories, or when designed to break the fashion rules, this old-fashioned look can appear much more modern and trendy. In order to make the desired impression, it is important to understand the rules governing these suits.

A double breasted suit jacket will usually have either a six on two or six on one button configuration. These numbers describe the buttons by giving the total number of buttons and then the number of visible functional buttons, so a six on two would have six total buttons with two that fasten.

In addition to the functional buttons, most double breasted jackets have a button inside the overlapping flap, known as a jigger, to secure the other flap in place and maintain the clean lines of the jacket. This would usually be inside the left flap as this is the traditional direction for fastening a man’s jacket. It is also traditional for a double breasted suit to have cuffed pants.

Breaking these rules by having a two on one configuration, or by omitting the cuffs, can make the suit look less old-fashioned. The suit can also be made to look less serious by using a less formal pattern such as a herringbone in the fabric.

One of the most popular ways to modernize the look of a double breasted suit, though, is to pair the traditional design with less traditional accessories. Wearing a shirt that is a bright color rather than white is one such example. A colorful handkerchief and tie can also modernize this look.

By understanding the fashion rules, you will be able to make whatever statement you wish. An older man may prefer the traditional, serious look, but for a younger man, a splash of color can pair tradition with youthful personality.